By Troy Gillard

Games on

Rebels, World Juniors unaffected by Westerner Park financial challenges

Jan 28, 2020 | 5:53 PM

Previously scheduled sporting events, namely Red Deer Rebels games and the upcoming 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship, are not affected by word of the shaky financial status of Westerner Park.

It was announced Tuesday morning that The City of Red Deer is assuming temporary financial oversight over Westerner Park in light of financial difficulties the non-profit organization is experiencing.

“Currently scheduled events will continue as planned,” officials said. “However, Westerner Park is reviewing contracts related to key major events to ensure they are financially viable for the organization.”

The status of Red Deer Rebels games at the Westerner Park Centrium is unaffected by this. Same goes for the 16 World Juniors games that will be played at the Centrium this coming December and January.

“The Rebels organization is 100% supportive of today’s announcement by The City of Red Deer and Westerner Park,” the team said in a statement. “We believe this is a necessary step in returning the park to sustainability.”

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“Both the Rebels and our World Junior partners have full assurances from The City of not only business continuity, but a commitment to positive improvements to the guest experience in the near future.”

What’s not certain at this time is the status of local government funding for upgrades that are planned for the Centrium.

During 2020 Capital Budget deliberations, Red Deer city council approved $3 million over the next three years for facility upgrades including new seats, renovated dressing rooms and washrooms, concourse improvements, as well as video scoreboard and LED screen updates.

However, the city’s funding approval was conditional on Red Deer County agreeing to match that commitment. That hasn’t happened as of yet, with a county spokesperson saying there are “ongoing conversations” about the status of their contribution.